I am Eric Kamler, your Commissioner for the 4th District of the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC), representing 31 counties across Nebraska.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission is a five-member elected board responsible for oversight of several essential infrastructure sectors and services affecting all Nebraskans. The Commission’s jurisdiction includes broadband and telecommunications, the statewide 911 system contract, natural gas regulation and pipeline routing, railroad safety, commercial grain storage, commercial ground transportation, and modular and manufactured housing safety.

This winter quarter has been active across all PSC departments as we continued our work to ensure safe and reliable services for families, businesses, and communities across District 4 and the entire state.

In our Telecommunications Department, the Commission approved several customer-requested service boundary changes to improve connectivity to households in underserved areas. We held a hearing to gather broadband industry input on revised standards for verifying broadband provider speed data used in several rural broadband expansion grant programs. The Commission also formally launched a major review of all Nebraska broadband and telecommunications rules and regulations to modernize how telecommunications companies operate in the state. I am serving as Hearing Officer for these comprehensive rules review, which will include many public hearings and stakeholder participation in the months ahead.

The Commission also voted to launch an investigation on crossing fees charged to telecommunications companies to access rights-of-way controlled by railroad companies for fiber internet construction. In addition, the PSC hosted a workshop on auto-dialer rules and regulations to help entities using this technology remain in compliance with Nebraska law.

Lastly in the Telecommunications Department, Commissioners launched a final round of the federal Capital Projects Funds (CPF) rural broadband expansion grant program for 2026, utilizing remaining federal grant dollars made available as previously approved projects across Nebraska were completed under budget over the past few years. This round of funding is expected to total at least $5 million and will support further connection of homes with more fiber internet in rural Nebraska.

Work continued in the Natural Gas Department as the Commission held quarterly supply and status hearings with Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy to monitor system safety, reliability, and supply. The biggest news, however, was that after many months of negotiations between the PSC, the PSC Public Advocate, and the Commission’s Natural Gas Team, the Commission unanimously approved a settlement with Black Hills Energy regarding a proposed consumer natural gas rate increase. The approved increase totaled $23.9 million, significantly lower than the $34.9 million originally requested. For most customers, this results in an average monthly increase of approximately $2.85 for residential customers and $5.34 for small businesses. Because interim rates had been in place since August, customers who overpaid will receive refunds with interest. This agreement reflects strong public input and avoids the significant cost of a lengthy and contested rate case.

The Commission also unanimously approved the monthly surcharge rate for the 911 Service System Fund, which remained unchanged from the previous year. This surcharge appears on Nebraska cell phone bills and supports continued development and improvements to the statewide 911 Service System Network. Commissioners also approved a contract with Public Safety Network Americas (PSN Americas) for use of the 911Logix platform as the State 911 Department’s Next Generation 911 reporting system.

Significant work also occurred in our Grain Department during this quarter. Commissioners held an emergency meeting to revoke the grain dealer license of Hansen-Mueller Company after the company failed to pay Nebraska farmers for grain sales. After two weeks of intensive work with the company, the Commission unanimously approved a stipulated agreement requiring full payment to Nebraska farmers before license reinstatement. All Nebraska farmers were paid in full except one prior to Hansen-Mueller filing for bankruptcy. Nebraska was the only state to take action to protect its farmer producers in this case. The Commission also approved and renewed multiple grain dealer and grain warehouse licenses after reviewing their financial stability, we opened a grain warehouse license complaint against Roberts Seed Inc., and approved an increase to the Moisture Meter Inspection fee for grain elevators after careful deliberation.

In the Transportation Department, the Commission approved several transportation company license applications and approved several rate filings following review and held a compliance workshop for licensed household goods moving companies operating in Nebraska. The annual fee for Transportation Network Companies, including Uber and Lyft, was also approved with no change. Several voluntary license
suspensions for transportation companies were also approved.

The Housing Department remained busy as Commissioners hosted a hearing on manufactured housing and recreational vehicle safety inspection fees. Commissioners unanimously approved the Manufactured Home, Modular Housing, and RV Program Safety Seal and Inspection Fee amounts to ensure continued safety compliance and program integrity.

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It is my continued privilege to serve the people of Public Service Commission District 4. I will continue providing quarterly updates through local media outlets and on social media so you can stay informed about the decisions being made at the Commission.

If you have questions about any PSC regulated industries or need assistance, please contact my office at 402-471-3101 or email me directly at eric.kamler@nebraska.gov.

None of our work would be possible without the incredible support and dedication of our fantastic PSC staff. I am incredibly grateful for them! 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and for your continued trust as we work together to make Nebraska an even better place to call home.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2026!

Eric M. Kamler
Commissioner — Nebraska Public Service Commission, District 4